How Messi inspired a famous victory

1. Messi opened scoring with low shot
2. Argentine dinked a world-class second
3. Neymar clean through for third

It would be a sensation Thomas, you're quite right there.

And if you and your mates pull it off, fair play to you. We will be there with you for coverage of the second legs next week. Join us?

'It would be a sensation'

Bayern forward Thomas Muller: "In the second half I had the feeling that we controlled the game better. It is not easy to play here, but I did not feel that we could lose 3-0. But we are Bayern, we keep our head up

Reuters

"The fact that it now runs as it did against Porto, it is not expected, but we will do everything again on Tuesday. But it would be a sensation if we came into the final and we will do everything we can in Munich."

Messi is world's best - Suarez

Luis Suarez

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez has tweeted:"Vamossss !! What good win and hard work of the whole team !!!! I leave a picture with the best in the world !!!!"

Bayern Munich need to score three times next week. They failed to fire in a single shot on target in a Champions League game tonight for the first time since Oct 2009 (vs Bordeaux).

I'm absolutely, comprehensively, definitely not going to reopen the 'Messi v Ronaldo debate'. But I will say that we may have a final chapter in the saga if it's an El Clasico final on 6 June...

'We must believe'

Reuters

Manuel Neuer, Bayern goalkeeper: "We saw against Porto that always something is possible, but we're now playing against another team. We have seen today that we did not get many chances, but say never never. We must try to believe."

'We were sensational'

Gerard Pique, Barcelona defender: "I think we played a sensational game. We were very good defensively. Bayern barely had a shot at goal in the 90 minutes.

"We made the most of their weak points. We are accustomed to not having the ball and we weren't uncomfortable without it."

THE RESULTS ARE IN

Someone give Pep Guardiola a knock in the away dressing room. I've got some crumbs of comfort as his Barca side of 2008-12 was voted the best team of the last 20 years by you lot tonight.

You voted in your masses. Massive numbers. Wonderful stuff.

Barca won 51.6% of the vote, ahead of Manchester United's treble-winning side of 1999.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Nicholas Gaffney: But can he do it on a windy rainy Tuesday night in Stoke?

Getty Images

Lionel Messi could chip a goalkeeper inside a phone box

Thomas Broadley: Bayern Munich played well tonight but have been taken apart by the greatest footballer ever to grace the planet. Amazing game.

Avigar: Lionel Messi = the best player to have ever played! He is simply outstanding. Sorry CR7 you are living in the wrong decade.

Join the debate and get involved via #bbcfootball on Twitter, 81111 on text and the BBC Sport Facebook page. And you can place your vote on the right-hand side of this page.

The Nou Camp is empty, all bar a small section of fans who are still making a right old din. What a night for the locals!

Cometh the hour, cometh the man: Lionel Messi had nine touches in the last 15 minutes of play, including two goals and an assist. Deadly.

'We have Messi, we have the advantage'

Barcelona defender Javier Mascherano: "We have Messi so advantage for us no? It was a very tight game but we had the best chances to score.

EPA

"We played the game that we wanted to play, we are very happy. We know it will be difficult in Germany, it is a good advantage but it is not done. We must go with the same mentality.

"When you press high you take risks and we have a lot of people who can punish you. Messi is a player who it is impossible to describe."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Leicester defender Robert Huth tweeted: Don't think there can be anything worse in football than running backwards, one v one with Messi

Are we feeling sorry for Jerome Boateng yet? (Out of shot, on his backside, blood twisted...)

Reuters

Possession isn't everything

Opta stat: "Barcelona had less than 50% possession in the Champions League for the first time since December 2006 against Werder Bremen, 96 games ago.

Rakitic is unsung hero

Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson at the Nou Camp

Radio 5 Live

"Ivan Rakitic was excellent, he doesn't half work hard. He is very much an unsung hero, he passes the ball well, gets into tackles and good positions. He is a good foil for Dani Alves. He is an all-round footballer and looks tailor-made for this Barcelona team."

MESSI IN NUMBERS

opta

A good night's work. You've earned yourself a jaffa cake tonight Lionel.

The Champions League final is late this year - Saturday 6 June.

Book the front room/pub now!

Getty Images

Neil Lennon

Former Celtic manager on BBC Radio 5 live

"It was sheer class that won the game, it is what separates the great players from the good players. That one moment of brilliance from Messi is what changed the game."

Any hope for Bayern?

Bayern Munich fans will recall that they beat Barcelona 4-0 at home two years ago.

And in the last round they lost the first leg 3-1 in Porto before putting six past the Portuguese in the second leg.

Never say never. Never back against the Germans...

Reuters

'Best of my lifetime'

Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson at the Nou Camp

Radio 5 Live

"It was a brilliant game. After 65/70 minutes there is no way you would think Barcelona would win 3-0. If anything Bayern were in the ascendency. How on earth they won 3-0 I don't know.

"You just can't underestimate the brilliance of Lionel Messi, the best in the world and possibly the best I have ever seen in my life."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Joey Barton

Footballer

"I'm closer in ability to Neymar than Neymar is to Messi. #fact"

111 - the number of the beasts

That's 111 goals shared between Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez this season. The best trio since Nirvana.

European football writer Andy West at Nou Camp

"Suarez, to Messi, to Neymar, goal.

"Two fabulous players and a genius working in perfect tandem together.

"And they are the reason this side just might surpass the achievements of Pep's Barca."

AP

Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson at the Nou Camp

Radio 5 Live

"Bayern by trying to get the away goal have probably put themselves out of the tie. Neymar was coolness personified when faced with Neuer."

With 13 minutes to go it was looking like a very good night's work for Bayern Munich. Now it's a disaster zone. They have been taken to the cleaners by Lionel Messi and co.

Reuters

Lionel Messi has been involved in six of Barcelona's last eight goals against Bayern in the Champions League (4 goals, 2 assists).

Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson at the Nou Camp

Radio 5 Live

"Sometimes in sport and in life there is no answer to brilliance. Bayern had no answer to Messi's goal in the 77th and 80th minute. It has been a privilege to be at this game. To watch somebody like him do what he has done to Bayern is ability at its very best."

FULL-TIME

AFP

GOAL

One of the great advantages from referee Nicola Rizzoli and that could be that! Bayern push too many men up the pitch, Barca counter and despite a cynical kick in the centre-circle Lionel Messi is able to send Neymar in on goal. One-on-one, Neymar keeps his cool and fires home.

Barca in Berlin?

FOUR MINUTES added on. A Bayern goal would change the perception of this tie somewhat but in all honesty Bayern have not looked like scoring tonight.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Olympic champion Greg Rutherford: Fifa 16 cheat ... Up, down, left, right, square, MESSI!!!

Everton midfielder Ross Barkley: He's from a different planet. #Messi

"There is not a system or coach to stop talent of Messi's magnitude," Pep Guardiola said on Tuesday.

"The way he has been playing over the past four or five months, you cannot stop him. He is too good."

Pep won't like being proved right again...

Lionel Messi now has 77 Champions League goals - a new record and one more than Cristiano Ronaldo.

Time and time and time and time and time and time and time and time and time and time and time and time and time again he comes up trumps when the game is tight.

European football writer Andy West at Nou Camp

"We just had the most ill-timed PA announcement in history. Sounded like something in German but 90,000 Catalans were whistling the opposition's possession of the ball so no words were audible.

"The crowd are really into it now, blowing the ball away from their team's net."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Mike Spence: Messi is the difference once again. Outstanding player. Absolute joy to watch him play. Match is living up to the expectation.

Sixtus Paul: Messi is truly the BEST... Just ask Boateng.

Jared Maobe: There is no dispute now...who is the football greatest with that Messi Magic. Leo Messi is not normal.

Reuters

Lionel Messi continues to emboss his name on the history books. It's a genuine privilege to witness him at times.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Gary Lineker

BBC Sport

"It's such a joy to watch Messi. The greatest!"

Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson at the Nou Camp

Radio 5 Live

"The world's best footballer has just destroyed one of the world's best teams in two minutes. The way he went past Boateng was sensational and then he dinked the ball over Neuer - absolute class. He is the greatest because he plays for the team, he got himself in the situation to score two goals in two minutes which will probably put his team in the final."

CLOSE!

Neymar to Luis Suarez - nobody's minding the shop for Bayern - and Suarez is away! He hits it early - too early? - and blazes over the top. That would have been the flights, hotels and suits booked for Berlin.

European football writer Andy West at Nou Camp

"If Messi had to share some of the credit for the first goal, that one was all about him. Genius, absolute genius.

"Can we just give him the Ballon d'Or back now?"

SUBSTITUTION

Barcelona send on Xavi for Ivan Rakitic. The Nou Camp has come to the boil, a wonderful atmosphere. A goal for Bayern though and we're all on for the second leg...

GOAL

Genius. An absolute genius!

Sometimes you just have to say that this man is too good as Lionel Messi scores a sensational second goal. He picks the ball up 30 yards out, turns Jerome Boateng inside out with such quick feet, accelerates away and then chips over the head of the seemingly unbeatable Manuel Neuer with his right foot. Even a bit of back spin on the ball as it crosses the line.

Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson at the Nou Camp

Radio 5 Live

"Between all the commotion of was it or was it not a penalty, Neuer got the ball quickly and played it out, Bayern tried to break but Alves got the ball back and Messi had a bit of space on the edge of the penalty area and hit his shot so hard that Neuer had no chance."

European football writer Andy West at Nou Camp

"Messi will be rightly lauded for the strike but give credit to Dani Alves. Wonderful play to win the ball and feed the man he has created more goals for than anyone else.

"Alves is a non-stop human dynamo, even though he turned 32 today. Happy birthday indeed."

SUBSTITUTION

The place is rocking now. Pep Guardiola angrily punches the air and reacts by bringing on Mario Gotze for Thomas Muller.

GOAL

The difference maker!

Lionel Messi cracks in his 76th Champions League goal to put Barcelona ahead! Moments after Neymar had a half-hearted penalty appeal waved away, Bayern lose the ball cheaply in the left-back area, Dani Alves does really well to find Messi in a pocket of space and he pulls the trigger, flashing a low shot past Manuel Neuer at his near post.

Not dissimilar to Messi's goal at Wembley in the 2011 final. Low, hard and deadly accurate.

Reuters

Bayern's midfield coax another enticing opening out of thin air but Philipp Lahm tries an elaborate cross when a first-time drive was maybe on. The tempo is fading from the game but it remains tense and finely poised.

Is 0-0 a good result for Bayern? Or will Barca fancy an away goal of their own next week?

Neuer the wall

Opta have tweeted: Manuel Neuer has made five saves so far, more than in any other Champions League game this season.

European football writer Andy West at Nou Camp

"One thing that's really evident in this second half is how Robert Lewandowski has been positioning himself wide left when Barca have the ball, stopping Dani Alves from getting possession and thereby starving Messi of service."

Reuters

Lovely move from Bayern. Philipp Lahm and Thomas Muller reverse out of a cul-de-sac with a neat one-two, Bastian Schweinsteiger hooks a crossfield pass out to the left, it comes back over and Thiago takes aim from 20 yards. He cuts across his shot, it takes a massive deflection and momentarily appears to be heading in - but Marc-Andre ter Stegen manages to adjust his feet and save.

European football writer Andy West at Nou Camp

"Reflecting the very different nature of this second half, we've heard a lot more from the Bayern fans up in their lofty perch since the break.

"Neymar's petulant reaction there is an indication that things are going against his team. Are we brewing up towards a vital away goal?"

Reuters

YELLOW CARD

Neymar beats one man in the centre-circle and then goes down easily after he overran it, he is furious though and almost squares up to referee Nicola Rizzoli. Careful! He's booked though.

Reuters

Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson at the Nou Camp

Radio 5 Live

"We are getting to that point in the game where managers start to make changes - who will blink first.

"Bayern have been fantastic in terms of hard work and organisation. They have stayed on their feet and have not dived into tackles."

YELLOW CARD

Into the last 25 minutes. There'll still be some who say that no goals means it's no good, but this has been a cracking game. A goal or two would be a nice addition though.

Gerard Pique is booked for taking out Robert Lewandowski.

European football writer Andy West at Nou Camp

"He might have just been gesturing to his players but Pep Guardiola just appeared to step out of his seat and encourage the home fans in their traditional Catalan independence chant.

"Pep Guardiola, future political leader? Don't rule it out."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Gary Lineker

BBC Sport

"This would be over but for the absurdly brilliant Manuel Neuer."

CLOSE!

Real chance! Ivan Rakitic wins a tackle 30 yards out and Bayern for once back off, they don't know whether to close him down or not and he finds Neymar on his left. Neymar cuts inside and leans back - firing over.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

DeathApeDisco: Considering they're without their two chief threats, Ribery and Robben, this is some effort from Bayern. Commitment.

The Earl of Jeffs: So Bayern dominating possession with 4-4-2. Goes to show no one formation can claim to be the best for retaining the ball.

Sweeper keeper! Luis Suarez beats the Bayern defence with a cracking first-time loft over the top, Neymar is away but Manuel Neuer is one step ahead of him, sprinting 40 yards out of his goal to hammer clear. No room for error there!

AP

Something else from Neymar, he has three men right on him, touch tight, but he somehow shimmies between them all and emerges with the ball too. He tries a scoop pass to Luis Suarez but it is cut out. Quality though.

European football writer Andy West at Nou Camp

"Barca are slowly getting into the second half now but Bayern have been doing so well to deny their space by covering the width of the pitch, which is how the hosts generally like to start their attacks."

Reuters

Barca kick it up a touch. Lionel Messi starts it again on the right, rolls his man and finds Neymar, back to goal. The Brazilian dummies a pass to Luis Suarez and instead lays it off for Messi to run around and crack in a left-footed strike from 22 yards. He hits it as clean as a whistle but it's right at Manuel Neuer.

Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson at the Nou Camp

Radio 5 Live

"Bayern Munich are in control of the game at the moment."

YELLOW CARD

Getty Images

Where there is Messi, there is hope though. Lionel goes through the gears to leave two men trailing in his wake and Juan Bernat has to haul him down by his collar. Booked.

Reuters

Lahm, Rafinha, Lahm, Alonso, Lahm, Rafinha - over the top to Thomas Muller. A late offside flag calls a halt to a scintillating bit of play from Bayern Munich. That was top drawer - and they have had a brilliant 10 minutes. The better side right now. No doubts.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Githu Gee: The fitness levels of these two teams is unbelievable. Amazing. Premier League is miles behind

Danny Cheng: Impossible to beat Neuer. Suarez's recent form shows he's capable of being the impossible. My money's on him.

Paul Collins: As good as this game has been, imagine how much better it could have been had robben and Ribery being fit for Bayern.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball, pop on to the BBC Sport Facebook page or BBC Sport's Google+ area.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - don't forget to say who you are and where you are texting from.

YELLOW CARD

Andres Iniesta showed he has still got it with a wonderful assist against PSG in the last round and he is at it again, beating two men with a jinking run before going down from Medhi Benatia's challenge.

Benatia is booked but he couldn't do much about that.

Pep Guardiola applauds his defenders though. A draw tonight is a great result for him.

Getty Images

Excellent few minutes for Bayern but Lionel Messi then comes alive, skinning one man before finding Ivan Rakitic - but his cross is easily cut out.

Bayern could write the book on pressing, they are swarming all over Barcelona. Dani Alves has his pocket picked again.

Getty Images

Bayern Munich didn't have a shot on target in the first-half of a Champions League away game for the first time since May 2013, also v Barcelona.

YELLOW CARD

Bayern start at that 100mph intensity again and it pays off, Robert Lewandowski gets onto a loose ball and Dani Alves can only pull him back. That's a booking and a free-kick in a dangerous spot...

Into the wall from Xabi Alonso.

KICK-OFF

What tactical surprises have Bayern Munich got up their sleeves? We are under way in the second half.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Hull midfielder David Meyler tweeted: What a game this is all we need is a few goals!

AP

Here come the sides...

Spain on strike?

A reminder of this evening's other breaking news.

The Spanish football federation says it is suspending all end-of-season games in disputes with the government, including over TV rights.

A federation statement (in Spanish) said it was also unhappy with receiving only 4.55% of pools revenue, though it said it was still open to dialogue.

Reuters

All matches will be suspended from 16 May, including the domestic cup final.

In the top division, Barcelona lead La Liga rivals Real Madrid by two points, with only three games left to play.

In the statement, the federation said it acted after three-month talks with the government had failed to resolve the dispute.

The Spanish government has so far made no public comment on the issue.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Abdul Said: I can see nothing wrong in Bayern Munich's style of play, it is just like watching Van Gaal's United improved version of three at the back .

Curtis Williams: Jose Mourinho must be at home having kittens watching this game. Must be a bus strike in Barcelona.

Adam Southorn: The referee has been brilliant letting the play go, a breath of fresh air in big European games.

Get in touch at #bbcfootball, pop on to the BBC Sport Facebook page or BBC Sport's Google+ area.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - don't forget to say who you are and where you are texting from.

TV, radio and online, the pundits have lost their minds about that Bayern Munich tactical shape in the opening 20 minutes or so. It was great fun though.

Neil Lennon

Former Celtic manager on BBC Radio 5 live

"It has been so tight - eachy-peachy as I like to say - but I think that one goal either way will open the floodgates. It will force the other side to come out and play a bit."

European football writer Andy West at Nou Camp

"Pulsating first half. Even watching it is tiring. And for the players, the mental effort in adjusting to the opposition's tweaks in tactics must be another major strain.

"Bayern were under heavy pressure for much of the half and will be happy with the stalemate."

Getty Images

Mark Lawrenson

Football Analyst on BBC Radio 5 live

"Relatively few chances in this game -it should be 1-1 - but the fascination has been around the way that Bayern Munich set up and how Barcelona tried to combat that. You can't take your eyes off it."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Petros Sorokkos: Manuel Neuer is a double decker bus

Luke: Quality sides playing attacking football. This is true football! No buses here tonight and the football world rejoices.

Will Davies: Rakitic and Messi are running this game at the moment. Bayern need to get hold of the ball and stop launching balls into the box!

Peter David Smith: This could be the best 0-0 in history. Top class.

Bayern Munich didn't have a shot on target in that first half, while Barca forced Manuel Neuer into four saves.

HALF-TIME

AP

One for the pub bore's list of 'great 0-0s.'

Getty Images

Should Luis Suarez have scored with this earlier chance?

Thomas Muller and then Jerome Boateng both waste good crossing chances for Bayern Munich, who are ending the half well.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

V@zu: Manuel Neuer, one man show to save Bayern here.

Craig Edwards: Only the best and something special will beat Neuer tonight.

Daniel Woodley: The German is showing us why he is the world's best goalkeeper

Join the debate and get involved via #bbcfootball on Twitter, 81111 on text and the BBC Sport Facebook page. And you can place your vote on the right-hand side of this page.

Getty Images

Possession so far? 50-50.

Barca have made 213 passes, Bayern 218.

GREAT SAVE!

If you can't go round it, go over it! Barcelona play one of those little chip passes over the top, Dani Alves reads it brilliantly to get there and chest it down, but his volley on the stretch is superbly saved again by the stretching Manuel Neuer. Ivan Rakitic then shoots wide.

Jerome Boateng launches a 45-yard pass over the top which Robert Lewandowski summons from the air with a brilliant touch, magic from the Pole, but he has no support in the middle and his cross comes to nought.

The first sign of tiredness from Bayern? They have stretched the game incredibly well in the opening 35 minutes. The midfielders in particular must be bushed.

AFP

Lionel Messi takes the free-kick but it's an easy save for Manuel Neuer.

YELLOW CARD

Seven Bayern players in the opposition half as Marc-Andre ter Stegen tries to clear from inside the Barcelona goal. I've never seen a team come to the Nou Camp and press like this.

Xabi Alonso is then the first man into the book after Philipp Lahm hacks down Lionel Messi.

AP

European football writer Andy West at Nou Camp

"Special jeers for Xabi Alonso after his poor free kick. The midfielder always milked Real Madrid's rivalry with Barca and was also one of Jose Mourinho's biggest advocates.

"Is it safe to say the game has settled down? Probably not, but after that tactical change by Bayern it's a less frantic, more normal encounter."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

James Perrett: Barca have played all the football so far, and had all the chances, but Neuer has been Neuer

ian: We can wax lyrical about the passing and movement, but the finishing has been ordinary to say the least.

AP

How far are the Premier League's big boys off this standard? Miles. It may as well be a different sport.

Bayern mount a neat attack. Thiago cuts in from the left and floats in a cross-shot which snakes betwixt and between the goalkeeper, back four and the far post. Great delivery.

Mark Lawrenson

Football Analyst on BBC Radio 5 live

"This game is impossible to take your eyes off. There is so much movement, both on and off the ball, it is absolutely fantastic.

"There is a sense of nervousness from the home fans. Bayern have come here to play and try and get something rather than sitting back and waiting for the inevitable."

No player has missed more clear-cut chances in the Champions League this season than Robert Lewandowski (eight).

Despite his miss, the Bayern fans are in fine voice as we approach the half-hour mark. Even the most clued-up Bayern fan must have been shocked by that opening 15 minutes. The game is settling down now though. A bit.

BBC Radio 5 live

Remember you can listen to commentary from former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson who is live at the Nou Camp.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Dan Walker

BBC Sport

"What's the opposite of parking the bus? Bayern have lost the keys!"

CLOSE!

It's tactical madness. Bayern Munich step up to almost halfway, leaving all 20 outfield players in a pocket of space about 25 yards deep.

So much space in behind and one good pass threatens to bring the house of cards tumbling down. Barca get round the back, Jerome Boateng hooks nervously over his own bar and from the corner Luis Suarez heads over.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Jay: That's why Pep is the best. Tried something outrageous yet was willing to concede and change when it didn't work.

Peter Collins: Great game to watch, but I bet Mourinho is having a heart attack. He loves to control games, not leave them as open as this!

lfcway: I would have put my house on Suarez and Neymar scoring those chances. How is this game still 0-0?

D'Josh Impact: What makes a great coach is the ability to learn. Pep has changed the formation recognising his own madness. RESPECT!

Join the debate and get involved via #bbcfootball on Twitter, 81111 on text and the BBC Sport Facebook page. And you can place your vote on the right-hand side of this page.

An excellent first eighth of this tie. Two heavyweights going toe-to-toe. Like Creed v Balboa II.

Reuters

CLOSE!

Change the system all you like, but you can't stop Lionel Messi. He dances between two white shirts on the corner of the box before curling one wide. Lovely feet. Compelling game...

Reuters

opta

Here's how Bayern Munich lined up in the first 15 minutes or so. Rafinha (13), Jerome Boateng (17) and Medhi Benatia (5) were a back three, but also look how high Robert Lewandowski (9) and Thomas Muller (25) were. No parking the bus here.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Gary Lineker

BBC Sport

"Even Pep has recognised his own madness and changed things."

Mark Lawrenson

Football Analyst on BBC Radio 5 live

"It almost looked like Robert Lewandowski was taken by surprise by the quality and accuracy of Thomas Muller's immediate return ball back into the six-yard box. It should be 1-1."

Rafinha has now gone from left of a back three to right-back. You keeping up with this? There will be a test after the game.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

QPR midfielder Joseph Barton has tweeted:Tactically fascinating. They say the line between madness and genius is very close. On this evidence I have to agree. Get viewing though.

CLOSE!

CHANGE!

There goes the change in tactics as Bayern Munich go to a back four. They had to do something.

And they instantly create a great chance! Thomas Muller beats his man on the right, whips in a cross and Robert Lewandowski is free in the middle. A clean connection on it, and he scores. He has to - but he stretches and the ball slides wide...

Andy West

European football writer

"Fascinating to see Bayern man-marking Barca literally all over the pitch. It's not really working at the moment because Barca have the individual quality to beat their men and create space."

Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich's Twitter enjoyed Neuer's save from Suarez.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Grant Walker: Barcelona vs Bayern. Most open game I've seen in a while. Incredible fitness levels by both teams,

Zsolt Janos: Neuer has already had more touches than Bale yesterday.

Will Davies: 3 v 3 at the back For Bayern seems suicide at the moment. I think Pep wants this game to entertain the masses!

Join the debate, get involved via #bbcfootball on Twitter, 81111 on text and the BBC Sport Facebook page. And you can place your vote on the right-hand side of this page.

CLOSE!

Bayern Munich's 5-a-side style man-to-man coverage is boggling minds.

Neymar is close to the opener now as he scuffs an effort wide after great work from Luis Suarez. Barca will score soon if the shape of the game stays like this. It looks inevitable...

Mark Lawrenson

Football Analyst on BBC Radio 5 live

"There is just so much space. Luis Suarez must have been 20 yards clear of any Bayern Munich defender when he went through there. It was a tremendous save from Manuel Neuer to deny him."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Gary Lineker

BBC Sport

"This is so open there has to be bags of goals.....get your cash on 0-0."

GREAT SAVE!

Bayern have had 55% of the ball in the opening 10 minutes. Part one of the plan is working for the Germans.

But part two - keeping the Catalans out - almost falls flat as Luis Suarez has 45 yards of space to run into! He's one on one, the defence gone AWOL, but Manuel Neuer makes a brilliant Peter Schmeichel-style starfish save.

Reuters

This three-man defence will either be a touch of genius from Pep Guardiola, or a case of madness. Time will tell. Lionel Messi almost gets clear again but Bayern just about scramble it away.

Mark Lawrenson

Football Analyst on BBC Radio 5 live

"This is an absolutely intriguing game. It is far more open than I expected it to be and both sides are looking dangerous every time they come forward."

'May the best man win'

AP

Bayern Munich are leaving three-on-three at the back and it almost comes unstuck as Lionel Messi skips past a man and finds Luis Suarez. They are two on one but Suarez takes the wrong option, shooting low at Manuel Neuer from 20 yards.

If Lionel Messi is free, it usually pays to pass it to him...

Pep Guardiola's inside knowledge may pay off after all. The Bayern side are closing down Barca's keeper and back four instantly in numbers. So far Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Javier Mascherano have both kicked it out of play under the pressure.

Mark Lawrenson

Football Analyst on BBC Radio 5 live

"Judging from the opening minutes, Bayern are going to try and press Barcelona in every area of the pitch. That is going to take a huge amount of physical effort and mental concentration.

"It looked like Jerome Boateng laid a hand on Luis Suarez as he broke into the box there but I'm not sure it was enough to bring the Uruguayan to ground."

Spanish football suspension

Andy West

European football writer

"The initial assumption is that this move has been taken in an attempt to head off a players' strike which had been threatened for that weekend.

"Players are unhappy with some terms of the deal, including the low percentage of revenue on offer to lower league clubs.

"The issue of TV rights is a long running one with most people recognising that Barca and Real receive far too much at the moment. Realigning it is not easy though."

Read the breaking news story here

PENALTY APPEAL

3-4-2-1? Er, pass. I'm not sure how Bayern Munich are playing. It's tying Gary Neville's head in a knot so it's way beyond me.

However they've lined up, Luis Suarez gets behind them and Jerome Boateng gets hands on, pushing him over. It's a soft challenge but could easily have been given on another day.

Bayern Munich

Some welcome for the players tonight at the Nou Camp

Bayern Munich tweeted this picture from the Nou Camp as the teams walked out with the cheeky caption "us too".

Mark Lawrenson

Football Analyst on BBC Radio 5 live

"Bayern Munich have immediately pushed three men forward to try and force Marc-Andre ter Stegen kick it out long from the back rather than allowing the Barcelona goalkeeper to build the move with short passes."

The first tactical tweak of the night. Pep Guardiola has started right-back Rafinha as a left-sided centre-back in a back three. Maverick.

Is that to counter Lionel Messi cutting inside? Bayern start pressing very high up the pitch, hunting in packs. The bus has not been parked.

KICK-OFF

Let the games begin! This would have made a great final but we are under way in the semi-final.

AP

Just a reminder - Neymar, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi have scored One-Hundred-And-Eight goals between them this season. 108!

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Few footballers getting excited for the match...

QPR striker Charlie Austin tweeted: Barca 2-0 Suarez to run the show.

Hull City winger Robert Snodgrass posted: Barca 3-1 tonight.

Pep Guardiola very humbly waited until the end of the anthem and hoo-ha to casually walk out and take his seat in the Bayern dugout. No milking it from him.

Neil Lennon

Former Celtic manager on BBC Radio 5 live

"If anyone knows how to stifle Barcelona it is Pep Guardiola but his problems will be where he will counter-attack if he attempts to contain the Catalans.

"Are Bayern's two full-backs Juan Bernat and Rafinha good enough to get down the flanks and give Barca something to think about?"

LINE-UPS

Barcelona: ter Stegen, Dani Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Jordi Alba, Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta, Messi, Suarez, Neymar. Subs: Bravo, Xavi, Pedro, Rafinha, Bartra, Adriano, Vermaelen.

Bayern Munich: Neuer, Rafinha, Benatia, Boateng, Bernat, Alonso, Muller, Lahm, Schweinsteiger, Thiago, Lewandowski. Subs: Reina, Dante, Javi Martinez, Pizarro, Gaudino, Gotze, Weiser.

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli (Italy)

Players in the tunnel, the famous old 'Barca' song pumped out of the speaker, 'We are ready' spelled out in the stands [see 19:38].

A stunning scene.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

AFP

Fergie's treble winners, greatest ever?

Eyobel gomini: Fergie babies, Cole & Yorke, Super Sub Ole and Teddy...That was the best CL winning team!

SamadGigii: Manchester United 07-2011? semi-finalists, two finals and one win and plenty of league titles? Second only to arguably the greatest club side ever.

Phil Hopkin: But how can you mention an Arsenal team that got nowhere near to winning a European competition? Barca 09-12 or Bayern 12/13.

Get involved via #bbcfootball on Twitter, 81111 on text and the BBC Sport Facebook page. And you can place your vote on the right-hand side of this page.

He's no Ronald Koeman though is he?

Almost time to get this show on the road. It may be footballing suicide but come on Pep, have a go at your old side tonight. Get after them!

European football writer Andy West at Nou Camp

"Barca's players were just practising their free kicks from outside the box. They all missed, except Gerard Pique. I don't think that'll be enough to get him to take one during the game though.

"Having said that, he is currently having Barca's best goal-scoring season for a defender in two decades..."

@coveringfutbol

Covering Futbol on Twitter: Instructions on one of the 95,000 cards at Camp Nou tonight for pre game mosaic

The ultimate fly keeper?

Getty Images

Search the internet for praise of Lionel Messi and you'll blow up your hard drive. It's rare to find a quote about Barcelona's number 10 that makes you smile - but I liked this one from Bayern's former Barca midfielder Thiago this week.

"He's spectacular, incredible. He's playing further from goal and he's still scored 40 in the league. If he played in goal he'd score 25."

That we would like to see...

Bale problems for Real?

Mark Lawrenson

Football Analyst on BBC Radio 5 live

Getty Images

"If manager Carlo Ancelotti did not think that Gareth Bale was contributing he would not pick him, I find it very strange, it is almost like a witch-hunt.

"If Real Madrid made him available for transfer the top four in England and most of the top clubs in the rest of Europe would all try to sign him. Has he become a bad player? Has he heck.

"He has just struggled in the shadow of God - as Cristiano Ronaldo thinks he is."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Telegraph journalist Henry Winter at the Nou Camp: "Barcelona fans' banner close to Bayern dug-out that reads (in Catalan): "Thank you, Pep, eternal thanks".

AP

The fans who are in their seats early have made an effort though.

European football writer Andy West at Nou Camp

"Less than 30 minutes to kick off and surely the place is packed as Barca come out for their warm-up?

"Well... not really. Barca fans are always late arrivals into the ground and they're not changing that tonight, even for a Champions League semi-final against Pep.

"So the Nou Camp is sparsely occupied as Messi and co go through their pre-match paces."

BreakingBREAKING NEWS

There is a huge game in Barcelona tonight, but it may be the last one for a little while.

The Spanish soccer federation (RFEF) has decided to indefinitely suspend all domestic competition from May 16 over a spat with the government on issues including a new law on collective bargaining for television rights.

"At the same time, and yet again, we reiterate the offer of dialogue to the Spanish government," the federation said on its website after a board meeting on Wednesday.

More on that story when we get it.

(Seven) up

These two sides met at this stage of the competition in 2013.

Nobody expected the result as Bayern Munich ran out 7-0 winners on aggregate.

Getty Images

Thomas Muller is the top-scoring German in Champions League history

In the first leg in Munich Barca were smacked 4-0 - Thomas Muller scoring twice - and Muller got another one in the Nou Camp as Bayern really rubbed it in.

More of the same tonight?

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Who have been the best team in the last 20 years of the Champions League? Your views have been coming in via Twitter, text and Facebook.

Kieran James on Twitter: As good as that '94 Ajax team were a lot of those players peaked later at different clubs; Seedorf, Kluivert, Overmars, VdS

Emmanuel on text: Definitely Pep's Barca. Near untouchable in Europe and set the tone for Spain's dominance.

Spanish football expert Graham Hunter on BBC Radio 5 live: "Luis Enrique has a very different relationship with his players compared to Pep Guardiola.

"Guardiola not only explains to his players what he wants then to do, but why he wants them to do it. He impresses on them not just as a manager, but also as a man. He has a Svengali type quality and brings players with him.

"Luis Enrique is very different. I know that there are Barcelona players who believe that they are doing what they have done this season off their own back, without his help."

Reuters

The visiting fans are in good voice already. But Bayern Munich have only won twice in their last seven away Champions League games (D2 L3) and are winless in their last three on the road in the competition (D1 L2).

The pundits have been thrown somewhat by this Bayern Munich starting XI. They reckon that the German side may well park the bus and hope for the best.

A few teams have tried that at the Nou Camp down the years...

Remember Vermaelen?

European football writer Andy West at Nou Camp

"He almost certainly won't play, but one interesting footnote on the Barca bench is the inclusion of Thomas Vermaelen.

"The former Arsenal centre-half hasn't played all season after arriving at the Nou Camp injured, but he is finally fit now and named in the squad for the very first time after Jeremy Mathieu pulled out with an Achilles injury.

"Another central defender, Marc Bartra, is also on the bench so it would take something remarkable for Vermaelen to get onto the pitch, but at least he can feel like a footballer again."

Getty Images

Were Real Madrid right to get rid of Xabi Alonso last summer?

They could have done with him last night...

Neil Lennon

Former Celtic manager on BBC Radio 5 live

"I don't know how things work at Barca but I think that Dani Alves' get-up deserves fining certainly! The funny thing is that Gerard Pique came in immaculate in a three-piece suit and then Dani Alves comes in behind him wearing that get-up!"

Getty Images

Half and half scarves are normally mocked on these pages but one man who may be buying one tonight is former Brazil right-back Mazinho.

Why's that?

Well his son Thiago is playing for Bayern Munich. And his other son Rafinha is on the bench for Barcelona. Whatever happend he should have no worries getting a ticket for the final in Berlin.

European football writer Andy West at Nou Camp

"Barca's line-up is exactly as expected, and it speaks volumes for the team's change in tactical emphasis this season that Xavi's absence from the starting XI doesn't even raise an eyebrow.

"We know what Barca will do: attack down the wings and use Luis Suarez's movement to create space for Lionel Messi and Neymar to cut inside or - especially in Messi's case - deliver penetrating passes from wide areas.

"Pep Guardiola also knows that, of course, but the home team are playing with such confidence at the moment it will be no straightforward task in stopping them."

Narrow minded?

Without the injured Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben it's a very narrow looking Bayern Munich XI tonight. I count potentially four deep-sitting midfielders.

Pressure? What pressure?

Getty Images

Incredibly, Pep Guardiola was said to be under pressure at Bayern following their quarter-final first leg defeat at Porto last month.

His team then tanked the Portuguese side 6-1 in the second leg and wrapped up the Bundesliga.

He could be the sixth manager to win the Champions League with two different clubs. It's all gone quiet over there...

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

We are getting your thoughts on the best team to grace the Champions League in the last 20 years.

Marc in Portsmouth, via text: Barcelona for me and the reason? Messi, enough said!

Paul B via Twitter: Yes, Barca were great but the 95-6 Ajax team with Seedorf, Litmanen, both De Boers, Davids, Overmars… more exciting.

Get involved via #bbcfootball on Twitter, 81111 on text and the BBC Sport Facebook page. And you can place your vote on the right-hand side of this page.

The trident

Getty Images

Of course, as well as Lionel Messi being impossible to stop, there's also Luis Suarez and Neymar for Bayern to worry about.

Barca have scored a ludicrous 159 goals in all competitions so far this season - One-Hundred-And-Fifty-Nine! - and Suarez, Messi and Neymar have weighed in with 108.

Incredible.

European football writer Andy West at Nou Camp

"We've got the team news but, when it comes to Pep Guardiola, that doesn't necessarily mean we're any wiser as to how Bayern Munich will actually line up.

"There is a lot of talk in the press room about what Pep might have planned: a midfield diamond? Three at the back? 4-3-3? The versatility of his players - especially Philipp Lahm - means all of those are possible, and we'll have to wait for the game to start to find out.

"In particular, it will be fascinating to see how Guardiola attempts to shackle Lionel Messi, and whether he asks his team to sit deeper and concede more possession than they usually would.

"A chess game awaits."

I thought Dani Alves' outfit at the quarter-final was quite something but the Barcelona right-back has topped it tonight. He's turned up in a bright red blazer, bow tie, massive glasses and three-quarters. Extraordinary.

'It's impossible to stop Messi'

Getty Images

Pep Guardiola knows better than most how important Lionel Messi remains to Barcelona. If anyone knows a way of stopping the Argentine genius, it should be him. Isn't that right Pep?

Ah.

"There is not a system or coach to stop talent of Messi's magnitude," Pep said yesterday.

"The way he has been playing over the past four or five months, you cannot stop him. He is too good."

Messi, 27, scored twice in Barca's 8-0 win over Getafe on Saturday to reach 51 goals for the season, and in November became the Spanish league's all-time top scorer.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Pep Guardiola's Bayern Munich side are obviously special.

But even the most cynical mind would have to concede that at times, his Barcelona side were operating on a different level. Their 2011 Champions League victory at Wembley lives very, very high on my personal list of performances.

Getty Images

How many Galacticos did it take to change a lightbulb?

But where does that side rank on the charts?

We've pulled together a shortlist of sides from the past 20 years and you can vote at the top of the screen. Please do.

Getty Images

Do the Arsenal side who went unbeaten in the Premier League deserve the crown?

As well as casting your vote, let us know the reasons behind your decision, or let us know which teams we missed.

Getty Images

Were the Ajax side of the mid 90s your favourite?

Get in touch at #bbcfootball, pop on to the BBC Sport Facebook page or BBC Sport's Google+ area.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - don't forget to say who you are and where you are texting from.

Getty Images

Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is widely regarded as the very best in the business, and he could well have to earn his corn over the next 180 minutes of this tie.

Bayern have conceded just 28 goals in all competitions this season - and are the only team in Champions League history to score six or more goals in three different matches of a single season.

Reuters

Germany manager Joachim Low is in the house checking out his numerous players on display.

He looks nearly as cool as Roy Hodgson.

Getty Images

Bayern Munich suffered a 5-0 aggregate defeat by Real Madrid at this stage last season but have won five of their seven European Cup semi-finals against Spanish teams.

Who do you make favourites?

A warm welcome?

Andy West

European football writer

"Luis Enrique and Pep Guardiola have remained close, and when Guardiola was promoted from the club's B team to take over the senior squad in 2008, his replacement was none other than Enrique. They worked together for another three years, before Enrique departed for Roma.

Getty Images

"After Barca defeated PSG in the last eight, Enrique reacted to the news that Bayern had thrashed Porto 7-4 on aggregate the same night with genuine delight, expressing his pleasure to see his old friend Guardiola safely through to the next round. Now they will go head to head as opposing managers for the first time.

"The boardroom reception will be somewhat frostier, however. Guardiola's deteriorating relationship with then-president Sandro Rosell was one of the reasons behind his 2012 exit, and he was also angered by comments from Rosell suggesting he did not spend enough time with his former assistant, the late Tito Vilanova, during the latter's cancer fight."

Read more from Andy on Pep's return here.

'Game more important than Pep'

Nostalgia is a potent feeling in football; in life.

But for all the chat of Pep Guardiola and his influence on Barcelona, it shouldn't be forgotten that current coach Luis Enrique is having a brilliant first season in charge at the Nou Camp.

Getty Images

Team-mates: Luis Enrique (eight) and Pep Guardiola (four) played together for club and country,

Enrique - who played with Guardiola - said: "We aren't going into this as a game against Pep.

"He is the number one for what he has achieved and he's a friend, but this is such an important game for all Barca fans that it should be more important than any specific people.

"It's nice for the players to meet Guardiola again, but they know that this game is more important than just that.

"Guardiola knows most of our players but I don't think that will be decisive. There are many other factors."

BreakingBREAKING TEAM NEWS

Barcelona make one change from the side who put eight past Cordoba at the weekend. Marc-Andre ter Stegen comes in in goal. He only plays in the Champions League. Nice gig.

Barcelona: Ter Stegen, Pique, Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta, Suárez, Messi, Neymar, Mascherano, Alba, Alves.

Getty Images

It's just got to be a good game tonight hasn't it? Surely. I mean, look at how many good players are available.

The man in the mask

Getty Images

The use of protective masks has come on a bit since Gazza had to wear a ridiculous looking effort in 1993 for England, and expect Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski to wear this carbon fibre piece of kit tonight.

The Polish striker fractured his jaw and cheekbone in the cup defeat by Borussia Dortmund last week but he starts. Harder than a coffin nail.

BreakingBREAKING TEAM NEWS

Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich were able to rest their first-team at the weekend so make seven changes from the side beaten by Bayer Leverkusen. Robert Lewandowski starts with a broken jaw, he will wear a mask.

Bayern Munich: Neuer, Alonso, Benatia, Thiago, Lewandowski, Rafinha, Boateng, Bernat, Lahm, Muller, Schweinsteiger

Return of the King

Getty Images

'I'll never get bored of this feeling...'

Four glorious seasons in charge, yielding a quite ridiculous 14 trophies.

From rookie coach to the most successful boss in Barca's history.

Pep Guardiola rewrote the rule book at the Nou Camp during his tenure from 2008 to 2012. He dominated Europe and bought 'tiki-taka' to the masses. Two Champions League titles and three La Liga crowns are living proof.

Getty Images

'...OK lads, that's enough! I'm off to New York for a year.'

Now, he's back with an equally dominant Bayern Munich side in the last four. He will be welcomed into the Nou Camp as a hero.

Will he leave as a villain?